I have had a tough time with phosphates this season. I am in the midst of treatment right now, but the salt level is very low. I was instructed to treat the phosphates, then add the rest of the chemicals, including the salt once the treatment is done. I am very concerned I’m setting myself up for a full algea bloom before I can get to where I can add more salt. Is it necessary to wait until this phosphate treatment is over, which will be tomorrow evening, before adding the salt? I’m running the salt cell on 100% in hopes that will prevent a problem. Thanks for your assistance!
Hi mlcallen,
In our opinion the most important thing to fighting algae is chlorine. Phosphates are food for algae and chlorine kills algae, we advocate killing the algae through proper chlorination. Once the algae is killed it does not matter if you have food for algae in the pool (i.e. phosphates) as there is no algae in the pool, we have seen pools with very high phosphate levels which are crystal clear because algae is not present due to the proper levels of chlorine killing the algae. With this being said I would run the salt system or if you don’t want to run the salt system you could supplement with liquid chlorine for a few days. I really like the Trouble Free Pool Slam Method for maintaining a pool, it’s definitely worth a read. I hope this helps.
Thank You
Patrick
I know this is an old topic, but I would like an opinion on using phosphate remover, which it seems is deemed unnecessary by many. I have an unusual situation. 2 days ago landscapers planted new grass seed and used fertilizer that looks like dryer lint. Dust from this stuff blew into the pool and today it is getting very green. I have not checked the phos ppm because it is labor day and I don’t have a kit. I phos remover warranted in this case?
Probably not, but your situation (with fertilizer visibly blowing around your pool) is pretty unique. A properly sanitized pool will not support algae no matter what the phosphate level is, though some pool owners do strive for a phosphate level around 1000ppb. Note that phosphate removers will make your pool cloudy, so, if you use them, wait until there are no upcoming pool parties on the calendar for the near future.
And watch which phosphate remover you purchase. Some that may be sold locally are pretty watered down. SeaKlear is not watered down and will take care of any phosphates in your pool.
Don’t bother using phosphate removers if you have green water. First you’re unable to get accurate test results, as algae will alter your readings, so you’ll likely waste product. Second, algae contains phosphates, so as you kill the algae the phosphates WILL be reintroduced into the water…so you’re just going to run in circles. Instead SLAM the pool and THEN worry about removing phosphates.
Your best and most accurate test results will be the one completed by you. Get your own inexpensive phosphate test kit to see what the levels are.